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It took quite some effort for many to refrain from using the term, "raining cats and dogs" to describe proceedings at the third leg of the Northland sheep dog trial circuit at Mangakahia last week on Friday and Saturday.

Trial commentator Merv Cameron said the results spoke for themselves, with all four events split between the Child brothers, Murray and Neville. Also standing out, Alex McLiver — grandson of the renowned Mick Livers — gaining a third place in the long head with his dog, Breeze.

"Breeze is a lovely bitch and this is their first open placing. I watched Breeze the previous week on the other big long head hill course at Ohaeawai and she really knuckled down and ran hard — impressive! This third place will be a result Alex will treasure for a long time," he said.

The sheep from Graeme Smith showed the benefits of having been pre-worked and performed well overall.

However, perhaps the most memorable factor at this event was the weather.

"Visibility was hard at times with fog and rain. I have never before seen so many people in gumboots at a February dog trial. The amount of mud was astounding," Cameron noted.Organisers also congratulated the club's new member Roger Davis for taking out the maiden in event 4 with Meg and also paid acknowledgement to the caterers, land owners, competitors and spectators.

"Without you the trials wouldn't be possible."

Results from the Mangakahia Sheep Dog Trial on Friday and Saturday, February 9 and 10, were: